A traffic aide and a driver were wounded during a gun scuffle inside a van in Barangay Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa on Nov. 26.
At about 9 a.m., traffic aide Mark Anthony, 36, and his team from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) flagged down a van suspected of operating illegally at the Filinvest toll gate exit.
The driver, identified as Ellord, 48, of Calendola Village, San Pedro, Laguna, asked permission to drop off his passengers, including two elderly individuals who reportedly felt dizzy.
Mark Anthony granted the request and boarded the van to assist the passengers.
Police said upon reaching Acacia Avenue in Barangay Ayala Alabang, Ellord suddenly drew a .45-caliber pistol, sparking a gun scuffle with Mark Anthony.
During the scuffle, the gun discharged, wounding both men.
Responding officers from the Muntinlupa police’s Ayala Alabang Substation immediately arrested Ellord and seized the firearm. Mark Anthony and Ellord were taken to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for medical treatment.
The recovered firearm is undergoing verification pending the submission of supporting documents.
Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, acting district director of the Southern Police District, said, "Our primary concern is still the public's and our enforcers' safety. I applaud our staff's prompt and resolute action, which stopped the situation from getting worse. The SPD is still totally dedicated to assisting legitimate operations and making sure that violent acts against authorities be held accountable.”